New Principal appointed at Abbeygate Sixth Form College

Eastern Education Group (EEG) has announced the appointment of Stuart Small as Principal of Abbeygate Sixth Form College, a college he helped design from the ground up.

Stuart's roots in the region run deep. Born in Essex, he moved to Suffolk at the age of nine and grew up in Mildenhall, where teachers at his local secondary school left a lasting impression. Inspired by those who "cared, listened and made a difference," he went on to study Medieval and Modern History at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Stuart committed to teaching and completed his PGCE at Hughes Hall, Cambridge. He began his teaching career at a state boarding school in Surrey before returning to Suffolk to join King Edward VI School in Bury St Edmunds, where over 12 years he progressed from acting Head of History to Head of Sixth Form and Assistant Headteacher.

It was at King Edward VI that Stuart became one of the founding architects of Abbeygate Sixth Form College, working with EEG from 2016 to help design both the building and the curriculum offer ahead of the college opening in September 2019. He has played a central role in the college ever since.

Speaking about becoming Principal, Stuart said: "The privilege of this new job is continuing to shape and guide the discussion about how we best help young people and making sure that education adapts to meet their needs now. The world has changed, young people have changed, and the world they're going into is changing in front of our very eyes."

Dr Nikos Savvas OBE DL, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Education Group, said: "Stuart brings a deep understanding of Abbeygate, a strong commitment to inclusive excellence, and a proven record of leadership within our Group. Throughout the appointment process, Stuart demonstrated clarity of vision, integrity, and genuine respect for the expertise and dedication of colleagues. I am confident that, under Stuart’s leadership, Abbeygate will continue to build on its outstanding foundations while staying true to its values, its people and its community.”

Stuart takes up the role of Principal at Abbeygate Sixth Form College with immediate effect. Dr Savvas, who previously held the Principal role alongside his responsibilities as Group CEO, will continue to lead Eastern Education Group, which supports over 15,000 students across SEND schools, primary schools and further education colleges across the East of England.